Lincoln University Removes Cladding from Its Buildings

The University of Lincoln is moving forward with the removal of cladding from one of its student accommodation blocks following the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Panels have been removed from one of the Cygnet Wharf blocks being constructed on the edge of the Brayford after it was identified that cladding did not meet newly-issued government guidance.

The university will replace the cladding with new safety-approved material before students move in.

The University of Lincoln is one of a number of organisations in the city reviewing multi-storey buildings' fire safety.

Commenting on the removal of the cladding, a spokesperson for the university said: "The safety of our students and staff is of the highest importance to us. Following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower the university immediately launched a full review of fire safety across all of its buildings.

"This includes construction materials, provision of fire safety measures and evacuation procedures in all our campus buildings and student residential accommodation to ensure they are of the highest standard.

"As a matter of course we routinely test fire alarms, conduct evacuation drills and provide detailed fire safety guidance to students at induction.

"As part of the review, we have also looked at the materials used in buildings currently under construction. It was identified that cladding on a small proportion of one of the buildings within our new Cygnet Wharf accommodation development did not meet newly issued Government guidance.

"We have immediately begun work to remove the cladding and replace it with a suitable material, prior to it being occupied."

The university is also seeking assurances from private providers of student accommodation, asking them to provide formal assurances that they have reviewed their buildings and are in line with Government directives.